I saw this, (shamelessly stolen), ESPN paywall article posted on another site. I've shamelessly copied it and re-posted it in its entirity. I would like to have posted a link and named the author...but I can't. I would also liked to have posted it using the BB Code editor to remove the ESPN links, but if I do that the tables disappear and the structure goes to Hell.
...Oh, and shoot a different messenger. :wink:

NFL Future Power Rankings: Projections for all 32 teams for the next three years
(ESPN PLUS $ MATERIAL)

To project which NFL franchises are in the best shape for the next three seasons, we asked our panel of experts -- Jeremy Fowler, Louis Riddick, Seth Walder and Field Yates -- to rate each team's quarterback, remaining (non-QB) roster, draft, front office and coaching using this scale:

• 100: A+ (Elite)
• 90: A (Great)
• 80: B (Very good)
• 70: C (Average)
• 60: D (Very bad)
• 50 and below: F (Disastrous)

After averaging the results from the panelists, each of the five categories was weighted to create the overall score -- roster (30%), quarterback (20%), draft (15%), front office (15%) and coaching (20%). The result is a comprehensive ranking based on how well each team is positioned for the future.

Read through the full ranking from Nos. 1 through 32, or jump to your favorite team using the quick links below:

Note: Overall scores are rounded to the nearest tenth of a point.
1. Baltimore Ravens
Overall score: 89.4

Why they're here: Lamar Jackson didn't need long to put himself in the conversation for the most dynamic player ever, as he became the league's second unanimous MVP pick in just his first season as a starter. But GM Eric Decosta has also built up a defense ready to hold up its end of the bargain going forward, led by a particularly fearsome secondary. -- Yates

Biggest worry: This team is loaded. The thing that can derail what is clearly an organization with a lot of positive momentum is the health of its young superstar QB. He must be protected at all costs, which means not "changing" who he is as a player, but being more selective and judicious as to when he purposely puts himself in harm's way. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: Get a big-bodied receiving target for Jackson early in the draft -- think Mark Andrews with more speed, someone with catch radius to complement Marquise Brown's speed. Matthew Judon could walk after this year, so investing in a pass-rusher via free agency or the draft is a prudent move. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: When the Ravens find an edge, they exploit it as well as any team. That's what they did with motion at the snap, which they ran at an off-the-chart rate relative to other teams last year. They ran play-action at a higher rate per dropback than any other team, too. Here's one more: The Ravens ran Cover 0 last season 12% of the time -- that's more than anyone, and well above the league average of 2% -- to tremendous success. Offenses averaged minus-0.77 expected points added on those plays, which is roughly half the cost of an average sack. -- Walder

2. Kansas City Chiefs
Overall score: 89.0

Why they're here: It's easy to get hyperbolic, but it doesn't even feel like hyperbole when envisioning a career in which Patrick Mahomes finishes as one of the three best quarterbacks ever. He's that good and that young. Kansas City flexes an absurd collection of speed on offense and a defense with pillars in place to stay competitive going forward. -- Yates

Biggest worry: Managing the cap and restocking the roster as Mahomes' new contract begins to kick in and his cap figure rises is what GM Brett Veach is going to have to contend with going forward. If the cap continues to grow at a reasonable rate, they have done a nice job of structuring Mahomes' extension to make it very possible for them to go on a run over the next two seasons at least, but Veach is going to have to continue to deliver on draft day. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: Corner is a lingering issue for the Chiefs, who exhaust resources at other positions and hope for the best in coverage. Kansas City last used a Day 1 or 2 draft pick on a corner in 2016 with KeiVarae Russell. Bashaud Breeland is facing a suspension in 2020 and might not be the long-term answer. Charvarius Ward should continue to develop. But put capital into a prime position. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Mahomes has never recorded a QBR below 50 in a game he started. Seriously: He has never had a bad game. In what is quite possibly the most important category on this board, the Chiefs cannot be better off for the long term. -- Walder
3. San Francisco 49ers
Overall score: 86.4

Why they're here: Elevation can happen rapidly in football, as the 49ers showed in 2019. Their sustained success is rooted in a vaunted defensive front laced with young cornerstones and an offense under the guidance of one of the best minds in football, Kyle Shanahan, featuring a standout offensive line and running game. -- Yates


Biggest worry: Richard Sherman is in a contract year and is now 32. Slot corner K'Waun Williams is in a contract year. Safety Jaquiski Tartt is in a contract year. This unit could undergo a major overhaul in the next two years, and for a team that was a couple of big plays away from a Super Bowl title, the 49ers need to make sure the secondary doesn't become a problem. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: One of the league's best rosters has minimal holes, but with Sherman turning 33 after the 2020 season, drafting an additional outside corner with press-man coverage ability will help. The 49ers run a lot of zone but could use the flexibility to mix and match more on the back end. And maybe draft a receiver in the first three rounds every year. But finding an issue with the 49ers is like finding a play on which George Kittle doesn't want to block. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Defenses stacked eight or more players in the box on 26% of 49ers rushes when the game's win probability was between 20% and 80% last season, the second-highest rate in the league. That's because the 49ers run at a heavy rate. But they were much more efficient passing the ball -- and in fact, even ranked higher in EPA/pass play than EPA/rush play. That suggests that the 49ers' offense has room to grow by passing more and taking advantage of those stacked boxes. Which is good, because their defense is very unlikely to sustain its high level of performance in 2019 over the long term. -- Walder
4. New Orleans Saints
Overall score: 85.7

Why they're here: There's a case to be made for the Saints as the most complete roster in football right now, and the team is coached by the brilliant Asshole Face. While New Orleans has a year-to-year approach surrounding Drew Brees' future, the team has already invested in a developmental player in Taysom Hill that it hopes can be their "guy" going forward. -- Yates

Biggest worry: This team is loaded for a run in 2020, but after that, when Brees is gone, what then? Is Hill really a starting-caliber QB in the league as Payton claims he is? Will Jameis Winston realize his full potential after sitting behind Brees for a year and then exploding back onto the scene in 2021? It could go either way. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: The middle of the defense is aging, with Demario Davis and Craig Robertson over 30, and 29-year-old Kiko Alonso coming off a third ACL injury. Investing in linebacker help next year will strengthen a defense that deftly balances explosive young talent and steady vets. And make a decision on whether Hill can be your starter in 2021. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Despite an average depth of target of 8.2 yards, Michael Thomas led all receivers in yards per route run last year. The fact that defenses know Brees won't throw deep and yet he and Thomas continue to win with slants and speed outs is probably a good sign that this team has another run in them. -- Walder
5. Dallas Cowboys
Overall score: 82.7

Why they're here: The Cowboys have been as strong as nearly any team in finding blue-chip talent, acing many draft picks to help build a top-flight nucleus. Though Dak Prescott didn't get a new contract this offseason, if a deal is struck in the future, the Cowboys will have perhaps the best skill group in football basically all under contract long term. Couple that with an excellent offensive line, and points should come easy going forward. -- Yates

Biggest worry: Will the lingering contract situation with Prescott have a negative impact on the focus and attention to detail of both QB and the team overall? Prescott seems intent on betting on himself for this season and dancing this dance again in 2021, which ultimately could lead to the Cowboys being in the market for a franchise QB in less than a year. Say it ain't so. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: Dallas' defensive line is patched together more than it should be. Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe have Pro Bowl pedigree but are on the back nine of their careers. Aldon Smith is a major gamble. DeMarcus Lawrence will remain a top-10 edge rusher for the next two years and the team shouldn't waste the chance to build around him. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Last season, the Cowboys ranked 22nd in dropback rate when win probability was between 20% and 80%. But when new Dallas coach Mike McCarthy was running the show for Green Bay in 2018, the Packers ranked fourth in the same metric, which means we can expect a heavier aerial attack for the Cowboys. For a team with a good quarterback -- and especially after CeeDee Lamb fell into their lap in the draft -- that's a good thing for 2020 and beyond. -- Walder
6. Philadelphia Eagles
Overall score: 82.6
Why they're here: The Eagles feature a potential MVP candidate in Carson Wentz, who showed an ability to raise the talent around him 2019. Coach Doug Pederson is resourceful, innovative and confident, while GM/executive VP of football operations Howie Roseman has infused the roster with talent while maintaining his status as a salary cap wizard who can find ways to keep this roster intact going forward. -- Yates

Biggest worry: The Eagles have upgraded the speed and skill level exceptionally well at the wide receiver position as compared to what they finished the season with last year. The question is whether they can now make it all work, on the field, where Wentz is as skilled a thrower as there is in the league. Chemistry is a big part of the game of football. They need to make it happen in Philly. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: Jason Kelce is done after this year, Jason Peters is now a 38-year-old guard and Brandon Brooks is coming off an Achilles tendon tear. The interior offensive line needs reinforcements. And so does the linebacker spot. The Eagles have addressed the front and back ends of the defense, and a high-pedigree sideline-to-sideline player would complete the mission. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Among QBs currently under 30, Wentz has recorded the third-best QBR season: his 2017, when he posted a 78.5. He has shown the upside, and -- performance wise -- is fairly reliable looking forward. If I had to bet on the current quarterbacks most likely to be above average in five years, Wentz is no lower than sixth (behind Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, Lamar Jackson, Deshaun Watson and Dak Prescott). That kind of certainty is worth a lot. -- Walder
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall score: 81.6

Why they're here: This exercise is about the future, but the past year is an important part of why the Steelers check in at seventh: Despite a litany of injuries and Ben Roethlisberger missing 14 games, the Steelers stayed in the playoff race until season's end and managed an 8-8 record. They are well-coached, well-led and really good on defense. -- Yates

Biggest worry: Without Roethlisberger, this team has no shot with any of the other QBs on the roster. Coming off a major injury to his passing arm/elbow, Big Ben is the key to everything that happens in Pittsburgh. It's that simple. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: Pittsburgh spent the better part of a decade using first-round picks to rebuild the defense. That side of the ball is now elite, so it's time to give the offense the same treatment. Identifying a successor at QB should be paramount. Diontae Johnson has a chance to be a top-shelf receiver, so continue to embolden him. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Did you know the Steelers finished second in defensive efficiency (expected points added per play, with garbage time down-weighted) last season? Second! With young players like T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick leading the way on that side of the ball and Roethlisberger returning on offense, there is reason to believe in Pittsburgh. Plus, in Mike Tomlin's long tenure there, the Steelers have never finished worse than 17th in total efficiency, and were on a five-year top-10 streak prior to last season. -- Walder
8. Seattle Seahawks
Overall score: 81.2

Why they're here: A culture of competition is a hallmark of the Seahawks, who are led by the forever-young Pete Carroll and respected GM John Schneider. It's too simple to attribute the Seahawks' success and positive outlook to Russell Wilson's play, but it's also fair to state that he has shown that when he's under center, Seattle is never out of any game. Rock solid. -- Yates

Biggest worry: Seattle was once known for having the fiercest pass rush in the NFL. Last season, no individual had more than four sacks, and the defense was 22nd in points allowed. Defensive end L.J. Collier, a 2019 first-round pick, needs to show up. Darrell Taylor, a 2020 second-round end, has to be a force immediately and consistently if they want to keep pace with the division-rival 49ers. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: The offensive line is an amalgam of inexpensive free-agent fliers and aging vets. Seattle expects Wilson to make it all work, but at some point he needs more resources up front. Guard Damien Lewis is a good start; the team is high on the third-round pick. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Wilson is elite, but let me make the case for Tyler Lockett as part of the reason to believe in Seattle for the long haul. Over the past two seasons, passes to Lockett have had a completion percentage over expectation (CPOE) -- based on factors that include target location and receiver separation from defenders and the sideline -- of plus-15%. That's the highest among all receivers with at least 100 targets in that span. And Lockett's CPOE is even more valuable than, say, that of Michael Thomas, because his extra catches come further downfield. I know what you're thinking: He has the best deep ball thrower in the game passing to him. And that's true. But over that same span, Wilson's completion percentage over expectation on passes not to Lockett was just plus-2%. -- Walder
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Overall score: 81.2

Why they're here: When you the land the GOAT, your outlook changes immediately. This is a bet that the Bucs can be that potent on offense with Tom Brady under center and a barrage of pass-catchers, plus a defense that improved mightily to conclude 2019. The pieces are in place for Tampa to be a playoff team sooner rather than later. -- Yates

Biggest worry: How much do Brady and Rob Gronkowski have left in the tank? Can Bruce Arians get the embarrassment of riches that they have at the skill positions on offense to all play as a cohesive unit with their new QB? If it comes together, they will be in the Super Bowl. If not, they will be starting over again. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: Drafting a quarterback high in 2021 is a good way to get ahead of the game. If Brady is playing two years with the Bucs, don't wait until he's out the door to get his replacement. The roster health over the next two years is strong enough to handle that investment, though one more veteran pass-rusher would help offset the likely loss of Shaquil Barrett next year coming off the franchise tag. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: No team ran as high a percentage of vertical routes (deep fades, posts, corners, gos, seams) as the Bucs last season. In fact, relative to each route groups' average, no team-route group combination was run at a rate higher above average than Tampa Bay verts. And that is not Brady's game. His 7.6 air yards per attempt were below average, and he threw 9% of his passes 20-plus yards in the air, also below average. Tampa Bay absolutely has the roster to compete -- on both sides of the ball -- but how Brady and Arians mesh is one of the more interesting short-term questions here. -- Walder
10. Indianapolis Colts
Overall score: 80.6

Why they're here: The Colts check so many of the boxes for a team that is doing things the right way: GM Chris Ballard drafts well, is opportunistic in free agency and finds developmental players. Coach Frank Reich and his staff make players better and they always play at maximum effort; the question for Indy is at quarterback, as Philip Rivers looks to bounce back after 20 interceptions with the Chargers last year, and is signed to a one-year deal. -- Yates


Biggest worry: I saw signs of serious decline in Rivers' play a year ago. The Colts think that was an anomaly. This roster is getting stronger and added some very nice pieces through the draft, but if Rivers can't get it going and play at a higher level again, the Colts will be looking for another QB sooner rather than later. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: Surround DeForest Buckner with more pass-rush help up front. Justin Houston outplayed expectations with 11 sacks last year, but at age 31 might not hold up. The Colts have pumped out productive drafts for roster balance. Adding to the front might be the next step. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Indianapolis is a soft landing spot for Rivers. Not only is he playing behind the unit that ranked third in pass block win rate last season, but he's on the team with the easiest strength of schedule in the league, per ESPN's Football Power Index. That's all good for 2020, but this team's future has more questions beyond then. -- Walder
11. Tennessee Titans
Overall score: 80.3

Why they're here: If you don't know the identity of the Titans, it's merely because you haven't paid attention: GM Jon Robinson and coach Mike Vrabel lead a team that won't be out-toughed; the Titans run the football with purpose and are going to muscle up on defense. Ryan Tannehill caught lightning in a bottle last season, and the Titans have dynamic skill players on offense in Derrick Henry and A.J. Brown that defenses loathe to face. -- Yates

Biggest worry: Do the Titans have enough pass rush? They need as many QB hunters as they can get if they want to topple the Chiefs in the AFC. Harold Landry III led the team with nine sacks last year, and they added vet Vic Beasley Jr. on a one-year deal from Atlanta (eight sacks in 2019), but they are in the market for more. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: The Titans are tied to Tannehill and Henry for the foreseeable future, which means more clock-controlling runs and play-action. But at some point the Titans must expand the passing game. Tight end Jonnu Smith has breakout star potential this year, and Brown might already be there. Finding creative ways to evolve the passing game will bolster Tennessee's AFC outlook. And if the Titans don't sign Jadeveon Clowney, next year is the time to invest heavily in the pass rush. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Last year, Tannehill recorded the highest completion percentage over expectation among any passer-rating-qualified quarterback season in the history of the metric (since 2016). But the breakout came out of nowhere. His QBR improved 29 points year over year. So now that the Titans have tethered themselves to Tannehill for the long term, which version of him will they get? -- Walder
12. Minnesota Vikings
Overall score: 80.3

Why they're here: While coach Mike Zimmer could find a way to make almost any defense play well, the Vikings boast one of the most talented rosters in football. GM Rick Spielman has done a splendid job of getting core pieces under contract long term and many of the ingredients are in place for Minnesota to compete right away. No one should be surprised if this team rises higher as soon as this season. -- Yates

Biggest worry: Zimmer is on his fifth different offensive coordinator in the past five years, although the Vikings ran Gary Kubiak's scheme in 2019 with Kevin Stefanski. Additionally, Zimmer fired DC George Edwards and replaced him with his son, Adam Zimmer, and DL coach Andre Patterson as co-coordinators. Personnel has not been what is holding this team back. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: Minnesota is at a critical point at safety, with Harrison Smith still among the game's elite but entering his ninth season, and Anthony Harris on the franchise tag. Minnesota will have to pick one of them next year, and here's guessing it will be Smith, who has two years left on his deal and should age well. The Vikings could use a stout corner to complement Mike Hughes and Jeff Gladney. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Two of the four worst cornerbacks in the league in terms of completion percentage over expectation allowed were on the Vikings last season: Xavier Rhodes (bottom of the list) and Trae Waynes. And now they're both gone. Incredibly, Minnesota actually had the sixth-best EPA per dropback on defense because other players like Harris, Smith and Eric Kendricks all recorded significant negative CPOEs (good for defense). So if the Vikings can get better performance out of young corners Hughes and Gladney, this defense could be dangerous. -- Walder
13. New England Patriots
Overall score: 80.1

Note: Polling took place prior to Cam Newton's signing.

Why they're here: The Patriots begin a new era without Tom Brady, which leads into the potential start of the Cam Newton era after he was signed in late June. Coach Bill Belichick is the best coach in football history, and the Patriots will remain as prepared and situationally sound as any team in the league. Combine that with Newton's dynamic skill set and motivation to bounce back after an injury-shortened 2019 and watch out for New England to once again make noise in January. -- Yates

Biggest worry: Will it be Newton, or will Jarrett Stidham surprise and hold off the former league MVP? For two decades, the Patriots always knew who their starting QB would be. Not so much anymore. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: An overall influx of pass-catching talent would be nice. Julian Edelman turned 34 in May, N'Keal Harry is still developing and no tight ends on the roster will scare opponents. James White is still a beast in the open field, but whoever quarterbacks the team in 2021 and beyond needs more of a supporting cast to supplement a still-stout defense. With David Andrews back at center, this offensive line is among the league's most balanced. Expect more run-heavy sets. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Last season, New England recorded the third-best defensive efficiency of any season since 2006. The Patriots allowed the lowest target separation of any team. Stephon Gilmore had the lowest completion percentage over expectation allowed of any corner. But defense -- and cornerbacks -- are not particularly stable from year to year. The Patriots cannot count on a repeat performance, and certainly not over a couple of seasons. -- Walder
14. Buffalo Bills
Overall score: 79.3

Why they're here: Buffalo's nasty defense isn't going anywhere, and it plays under excellent leadership in coach Sean McDermott and assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. GM Brandon Beane has attacked all layers of team building: major trades (Stefon Diggs), lucrative free-agent deals (Mitch Morse), value additions (there are many) plus a solid drafted nucleus. Josh Allen is the key for this team's rise. -- Yates

Biggest worry: There are no more excuses for Allen. The front office acquired a legit No. 1 WR in Diggs, bolstered the rushing attack with the drafting of Zack Moss in the third round, and have an under-the-radar superstar in second-year TE Dawson Knox. In a division no longer inhabited by Tom Brady, Allen must deliver. I have my doubts. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: It's great that Allen has speedy weapons, but Buffalo's top three receivers are 6-foot or below, which isn't ideal for a quarterback who battles accuracy issues. Add a big-bodied receiver for balance, and another tight end alongside Knox for catch-radius purposes, similar to Lamar Jackson's setup in Baltimore last year: think wider targets. Otherwise, the Bills' roster is primed for playoff runs over the next three years. The defense is wildly underrated. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Allen's 2019 was somewhat of a mirage: In reality, he ranked just 24th in Total QBR. Buffalo has a strong roster, a good coach and a sharp front office. But for the Bills to go on a deep run over the next few years, all three of those areas have to be perfect to compensate for Allen's weaknesses. It can be done, but it won't be easy. -- Walder
15. Green Bay Packers
Overall score: 78.9

Why they're here: The No. 15 spot might strike some as too low for a team that played in the NFC Championship Game last season, but the Packers made an investment in Jordan Love with a first-round pick, which suggests that a transition away from Aaron Rodgers is within three years. GM Brian Gutenkunst aced last year and deserves the benefit of the doubt, and coach Matt LaFleur's immediate success portends more good things ahead. -- Yates

Biggest worry: No help was added at WR to alleviate the burden that Davante Adams carries on his shoulders every week (127 targets in 2019; no other Packers WR had more than 56) either through the draft or free agency. Instead, Gutekunst moved up and drafted Rodgers' eventual successor in the first round. Now there are questions about whether Rodgers will remain healthy, and whether the Vikings will knock them out of the top spot in the NFC North. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: Same song on replay for Green Bay, which continues to fail in providing Rodgers with reliable weapons opposite Adams. The last receiver the Packers drafted in the first two rounds was ... Adams, in 2014. This seems like a layup: Get Rodgers another high-end pass catcher for his final years. And pay Kenny Clark. He's a top-10 interior lineman. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Over the past two seasons combined, Rodgers ranks 20th in Total QBR. He is also 36 years old. I disagreed with my fellow rankers on this one. It seems hard to consider him a major asset, relative to other quarterbacks. -- Walder
16. Cleveland Browns
Overall score: 76.8

Why they're here: I know, I know. We've been waiting a long time for the Browns to get over the hump. Hope for this franchise rests in a cohesiveness in place between the front office and coaching staff, an offense that boasts an electric group of skill players and a bounce-back season for quarterback Baker Mayfield. Progress has been a long time coming. -- Yates

Biggest worry: Is this the right combination of coaching staff and front office that will finally deliver for the city of Cleveland and its fans? Coach Kevin Stefanski theoretically has the type of offensive system that fits what Mayfield does best, and GM Andrew Berry has upgraded the overall roster (on paper) through free agency and the draft, but we have been down this road before. Games aren't won on paper. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: I might be in the minority here, but the Browns need help at receiver. Jarvis Landry is great at his role but doesn't have elite speed. Adding a field-stretcher on the outside will keep defenses on edge when the Browns run play-action. And with David Njoku wanting out, it's obvious the Browns need a more reliable option opposite Austin Hooper for Stefanski's two-TE sets. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: I don't have one stat here, but a whole slew of them. The Browns ranked sixth in pass block win rate last season -- and then upgraded, adding Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills Jr. Myles Garrett ranked fourth in pass rush win rate as an edge rusher, despite being double-teamed at an average rate. And Denzel Ward ranked third among corners with at least 300 coverage snaps in completion percentage over expectation allowed. The point is: Cleveland's non-QB roster is absolutely loaded -- I ranked the Browns first in this area. -- Walder
17. Los Angeles Chargers
Overall score: 76.0

Why they're here: A roster with many key cogs in place (a dynamic pass rush duo plus a versatile secondary), the Chargers are a franchise whose heights will be determined by their quarterback room. If Justin Herbert develops as the team hopes -- and they believe he's a franchise player -- the Chargers are equipped to be back in the playoff mix sooner rather than later. -- Yates

Biggest worry: The Chargers scored 21 or fewer points in 11 games in 2019. That means OC Shane Steichen is going to be scrutinized heavily going forward, particularly as it pertains to his ability to get first-round pick Herbert ready to play. Tyrod Taylor is not the answer. Herbert better be. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: Still a sneaky-good lineup compared to the rest of the league, the Chargers don't have many glaring holes but need more stability along the left side of the offensive line. Adding Trai Turner and Bryan Bulaga to the right side is big, but Sam Tevi and Dan Feeney both had Pro Football Focus grades below 60.0, and center Mike Pouncey missed 11 games last year due to injury. Herbert needs stout protection whenever he steps in. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: The Chargers' future rides on the shoulders of Herbert. While college production isn't everything, Herbert did not have the kind of numbers one might expect for a No. 6 overall pick. Most notably, his completion percentage over expectation -- based on target location (vertically and horizontally) and whether the QB was pressured -- ranked 30th among QBs with at least 200 pass attempts. Not awful but not ideal for a pick that high. And that's important, because a similar version of CPOE has been shown to be, relative to other metrics, a good predictor of pro performance. Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa each were top 10 in 2019, as were Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins Jr. in 2018. (Daniel Jones ranked 65th in 2018, and Herbert ranked 57th that year). -- Walder
18. Los Angeles Rams
Overall score: 75.7

Why they're here: Perhaps no team felt like it was more all-in during recent seasons than the Rams, who swung a trade for Jalen Ramsey midway through the 2019 season as the final most notable maneuver. Los Angeles has a small group of players who are already earning huge financial investments (Ramsey will soon too) which limits some roster flexibility, but it's a squad good enough to be in the playoff mix each year despite a loaded division. -- Yates

Biggest worry: The youth and health of the offensive line is what will determine the fate of this team going forward. LT Andrew Whitworth will be 39 years old in December, center Brian Allen and OG Joe Noteboom ended the 2019 season on IR, and OT Rob Havenstein missed significant time as well. If history is to repeat itself and they don't have a successor to Whitworth, this team isn't going anywhere anytime soon. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: The Rams need to get Ramsey re-signed, maximize his ability and build the secondary around him. Many NFL evaluators expect Ramsey to become the league's top corner, but he isn't there yet. Expect Los Angeles to play heavy quarters coverage with Ramsey in man on the outside. There's a good nucleus on the back end, and Ramsey should be the centerpiece. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Tight-window throws, in general, are bad for the offense. And the Rams recorded the second-lowest rate of tight-window throws in the league, and managed to do it with an above-average depth of target (deeper passes are more likely to be tight-window throws). Now, the results weren't there: Jared Goff finished 23rd in QBR and had a negative completion percentage over expectation. That lends credence to the idea that Sean McVay still performed well in scheming up the offense, but Goff couldn't deliver. -- Walder
19. Las Vegas Raiders
Overall score: 75.0


Why they're here: There's little doubting the Raiders are projected to make a leap during the three-year window we are examining, particularly on defense. The larger question is whether -- and I know Raiders fans are tired of hearing this -- Derek Carr is the quarterback mainstay. If he is, the next question is whether he's the player capable of taking this team to the top of the AFC West. -- Yates

Biggest worry: Defense wins championships. If the Raiders have hopes of returning to greatness, they are going to have to slow down the Chiefs' offense, which means DC Paul Guenther is in the spotlight. If his side of the ball can't ramp up production in two primary areas, sacks and turnovers, the Raiders will have absolutely no shot at getting back to the big game. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: Las Vegas is rebuilding position by position under Jon Gruden. It began with offensive tackle, then came over the top with linebacker in free agency and playmakers and cornerback through the draft. With the strength of the overall roster steadily improving, the Raiders must decide whether Carr is their long-term answer at QB after this year. They are reaching that point: go all-in on Carr, or look at alternate options. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Very quietly, the Raiders finished last season ranked fifth in offensive efficiency. And that's important because offense tends to be more stable from year to year than defense, so there is reason for optimism. Carr is the master of the dink and dunk, and previously was overrated, but last year proved that style can work for him. The Raiders were also last in defensive efficiency, which held them back. But again: It's a lot easier to fix a defense than an offense. -- Walder
T-20. Atlanta Falcons
Overall score: 74.6

Why they're here: This is a tricky one, as I'm of the mind that the Falcons have the ingredients to make some noise in 2020 and their primary roster ingredients are almost all locked up long term. Cause for concern rests with a defense that endured massive struggles prior to the bye in Week 9, before finishing 6-2 down the stretch. Development and health of the secondary will play a part in this team rising in the short-term future. -- Yates


Biggest worry: Dan Quinn must prove he can put together a coaching staff that can get the job done. Following the 2018 season, he relieved all three of his coordinators of their duties, and there is change once again heading into 2020 on the defensive side of the ball. Raheem Morris is now the defensive coordinator after being the team's WR coach for half of the 2019 season. He has a reputation for being a tremendous teacher and motivator. He has to come up big for Quinn. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: A once-stout passing defense ranked 21th last year, and major decisions loom. Safeties Damontae Kazee (10 interceptions the past two years) and oft-injured Keanu Neal are free agents in 2021. The Falcons can re-sign at least one and add corner help to supplement first-round rookie A.J. Terrell and Isaiah Oliver. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Atlanta has a good quarterback and a superstar receiver and passes the ball at a decent clip. So what's holding back the offense? The offensive line, which ranked 29th in pass block win rate last season. If the pass blocking improves and the defense (24th in efficiency last season) becomes even average, Atlanta could actually take a big step forward in a hurry. -- Walder
T-20. Miami Dolphins
Overall score: 74.6

Why they're here: Perspective is important in life ... and in future power rankings. The Dolphins make a leap from last year because of a clear path to progress: the right coach and general manager duo, a potential franchise quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa, a roster that showed a competitive spirit last year and an infusion of talent through free agency and the draft. Things are looking up. -- Yates

Biggest worry: Will Tua remain healthy? That's the question we all need the answer to. If he does, he will quickly show that he was the best QB in the 2020 draft and Miami will quickly ascend to relevance in the AFC East. If he doesn't, they will be right back at square one. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: Miami addressed just about every possible need in free agency and the draft, but the linebacker corps could use a boost alongside Kyle Van Noy. If the Dolphins are going to mimic the Patriots, that means hybrid options who can rush the passer or eliminate underneath routes. An influx of talent over the middle will strengthen Brian Flores' master plan. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Tagovailoa owns the third- and sixth-best college QBR seasons since 2004. While there are injury concerns, it's a lot harder to find a good QB than a healthy one. Tagovailoa's college production is arguably as good as it gets. That's a guy you want to bet on. -- Walder
22. Arizona Cardinals
Overall score: 73.6

Why they're here: The Cardinals are a team with the chance to outperform this ranking due to the projected brilliance of quarterback Kyler Murray. But expectations are a bit more tepid than his scintillating rookie season would suggest for the franchise simply because the roster remains a work in progress around him (offensive line and secondary), plus the Cardinals play in what should be regarded as the best division in football. -- Yates

Biggest worry: The stability and consistency of the front office is what will determine whether this franchise can maintain what appears to be positive momentum heading into the future. For every Kyler Murray "hit" in the draft, there cannot be a Josh Rosen "debacle." Until that is the case, the Cardinals will be treading water in the bottom half of the overall rankings. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: I actually like this roster more than I thought I would. Chandler Jones didn't get enough help on defense a year ago, but he'll have more balance around him. Depth at tight end, guard and defensive end could use a lift in the near future, and GM Steve Keim should prep for the loss of Patrick Peterson eventually. He's 30 and is entering a big contract year. If the Cardinals don't want to pay him, time to go young. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: A small red flag in a largely successful rookie campaign for Murray was his relatively high sack rate -- he was sacked on 7% of dropbacks -- despite the fact that the Cardinals actually had solid pass blocking. Still, that goes into QBR, and Murray recorded the seventh-best rookie QBR season of the decade (out of 32). -- Walder
23. Houston Texans
Overall score: 73.5

Why they're here: The Texans have had more recent success than any team in this tier of the rankings, with a chance to remain quite competitive as we proceed ahead. Houston traded away its most productive player other than Deshaun Watson this offseason in DeAndre Hopkins and has made a long series of audacious -- and roundly questioned -- trades that are often a primary talking point when assessing how the team will fare ahead. -- Yates

Biggest worry: It's hard enough being a head coach in the NFL. Unless your name is Bill Belichick, it's almost impossible to be both the HC and the GM and do them both at a high level in the salary cap era. Bill O'Brien is going to have to answer the bell in a big way while wearing both hats if the Texans are going to make noise in the AFC. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: Receiver has too many durability questions for long-term comfort. The Brandin Cooks-Will Fuller V-Kenny Stills combo might just work for 2020, but Fuller's knee issues and Cooks' concussion history should lead the Texans to draft receiver help just in case. Tight end Darren Fells can still play but doesn't have much time left at age 34. Pairing a dynamic tight end with Watson for the next decade would be a prudent move by O'Brien. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: In exchange for Laremy Tunsil, Stills, a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick, O'Brien dealt two first-round picks and a second. That's not a stat, but that trade is a year old and I still can't get over it. Nothing depicts Houston's front office problem quite like that. -- Walder
24. Denver Broncos
Overall score: 72.3

Why they're here: There's plenty to like about the offensive nucleus in Denver, as the tight end and receiver group is littered with youth, speed and upside. Quarterback Drew Lock showed well in his five starts as a rookie last season and will play an integral part in Denver's forecast: If Lock cements his status as the quarterback of the present and future, Denver will soar in these ranks in a hurry. -- Yates

Biggest worry: John Elway is all-in on Lock, evidenced by the amount of speed and playmaking ability he added to the team via the draft in WR's Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler. The question is whether the offensive line, ranking 24th in sacks per pass attempt allowed in 2019, has been improved enough to allow Elway's bet on Lock to pay off. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: From playmaker to offensive line, the Broncos have addressed a lot of needs. They still need stability at No. 2 corner behind A.J. Bouye. The team expects improvement from Isaac Yiadom but more competition at this spot is good, especially for a proud defense that used to dominate in coverage. Denver will closely monitor whether rookie Lloyd Cushenberry III is the long-term answer at center. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Denver has serious strength at safety. Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson ranked third and sixth in coverage success rate -- the rate at which plays in which they were the nearest defender to the target were positive for the defense -- among players who had at least 300 coverage snaps and played deep safety at least 70% of the time. And there's more secondary upside, too. Though Bouye had very poor numbers in 2019, back in 2017 he ranked in the top 10 among corners by the same success rate measure. -- Walder
25. Detroit Lions
Overall score: 71.3

Why they're here: Patience is a virtue in the NFL, just rarely a realistic virtue. The Lions have worked hard under GM Bob Quinn and coach Matt Patricia to find fits for the roster to marry to the schemes Patricia and his staff desire to run. Thus far, the Lions have shown some strides of improvement but endured a miserable losing streak to conclude 2019. This is a team that plays in a very tough division but shouldn't surprise if they play much better football this season and beyond. -- Yates

Biggest worry: Patricia is 100 percent coaching for his job in 2020 and beyond as I see it, and much of that is going to depend on the health of QB Matthew Stafford and RB Kerryon Johnson. With those two, the drafting of RB D'Andre Swift, and the physically impressive WR tandem of Marvin Jones Jr. and Kenny Golladay, the fire power is there on offense to keep pace with the the rest of the NFC North. Patricia is supposed to be the difference for the defensive side given his background as a DC. Time is running out. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: Adding more pass-rush help will strengthen the Lions' defensive identity. Detroit likes to play man coverage but ranked 31st in sacks up front with 28. Trey Flowers is an anchor and Jamie Collins Sr.'s sideline-to-sideline speed certainly helps, but one more matchup problem off the edge will bring balance. The offense in its current construct will continue to put up points. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Say this about Patricia: He was consistent. The Lions ran more three-man rushes than any other team, blitzed at the second-lowest rate in the league and ran the second-highest rate of man-1 coverage in the league -- behind only the Patriots. The problem? It didn't work. Detroit ranked 29th in defensive efficiency. Now, maybe Jeff Okudah helps on the back end, but this team still doesn't have a great pass rush. Will Patricia adjust? -- Walder
26. Washington
Overall score: 70.8

Why they're here: Washington fetched a mountain of credibility in hiring Ron Rivera as coach, but it's going to take time to get this ship steered in the right direction. Dwayne Haskins Jr. has a chance to accelerate that process but must make noted strides in his second season, while the offense is in desperate need of more playmakers. There was some encouraging roster-building work done in D.C. this offseason, but this is just the beginning. -- Yates

Biggest worry: This organization can't get out of its own way off the field, which renders everything they do on the field irrelevant. Until the franchise can move past all the dysfunction, the team has no chance, and a lot of good, young players are going to be wasted as a result. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: Washington's NFL team will have a much stouter defense in 2020, with Chase Young joining a front seven stocked with young talent. But the offense still needs upgrades. Terry McLaurin will be a fantastic pro but is considered by many evaluators as a really good No. 2. Washington should identify a game-breaking receiver to aid Haskins' development. And the tight end depth is among the worst in the league. Time for upgrades. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: There have been 605 quarterback seasons with at least 100 pass attempts since 2006. Haskins' 2019 ranked 572nd. So he wasn't the worst, but the company he's keeping is Jimmy Clausen's forgettable 2015 (in Chicago and Baltimore) and EJ Manuel's 2014 sophomore season in Buffalo. If there's ever a season that's going to be an outlier for a quarterback, it's the first one, so there is still upside in Washington with Haskins. But his outlook is certainly more negative today than when he was drafted more than a year ago. -- Walder
27. Cincinnati Bengals
Overall score: 70.8

Why they're here: There's nowhere to go but up for Cincinnati, which landed the prize of the 2020 draft in Joe Burrow to kick-start the rebuild. But the Bengals' willingness to spend in free agency also shows the potential turning over of a new leaf. There are many roster holes (the offensive line is a focus), but Cincy has a chance to establish an upward trajectory soon. -- Yates

Biggest worry: Offensive line play is the key going forward, as this unit must keep Burrow upright and healthy. The return to health of 2019 first-round OT Jonah Williams is where it will begin for a position group that has to set the tone for an offense that scored 21-plus points an NFL-low four times in 2019. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: Adding more speed and youth to the defense is still necessary. Cincinnati looked a step slow for much of last year and used its first two draft picks on offense. Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins are still productive but are well over 30 and need help around them. Perhaps midround rookie linebackers Logan Wilson and Akeem Davis-Gaither will provide a spark. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Burrow led the nation in CPOE. His actual completion percentage was 16 percentage points higher than what we'd expect for an average FBS QB to make on those same throws. That also would have led last year's CPOE race. And there's more: He also led related stats like completed air yards over expectation and EPA over expectation. All of this is to say: Though the short-term prospects for Burrow and the Bengals aren't great, he offers the franchise tremendous upside over the next several seasons. -- Walder
28. New York Jets
Overall score: 70.5

Why they're here: The Jets finished 7-9 last season but did benefit from a soft second-half schedule. While Sam Darnold has plenty of the requisite traits to become the man in New York long term, coach Adam Gase has evoked many questions. The offense did not show much in the way of major growth under his tutelage last year, and the team's best player -- Jamal Adams -- is at odds with the organization. Wait-and-see mode is in effect. -- Yates

Biggest worry: Gase is supposed to be a QB guru. Many believe Darnold is the best young under-the-radar QB prospect in the league but hasn't been given the support he needs either on the field or off in terms of weapons and coaching. This would worry me as a Jets fan going forward. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: New York's receiver room is a curious case. GM Joe Douglas prioritized building the offensive line, which I totally get, but in a crucial third year, Darnold is throwing to a No. 1 outside receiver who has never had more than 700 yards in a year (Breshad Perriman) and a talented rookie out of Baylor who's considered a project (Denzel Mims). Jamison Crowder is as tough as they come but isn't enough. Add more pieces for your young QB! -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Darnold was under pressure at the second-highest rate in the league last year; that's not an excuse, it's a problem. The Jets' offensive line ranked 16th in pass block win rate, which measures pass blocking success 2.5 seconds after the snap. That, combined with the fact that Darnold's time to throw was the third longest in the league, suggests that either the Jets' scheme or Darnold himself (or both) are mostly to blame for all the pressure. And yet, the Jets are running back the Gase/Darnold combination again this season. -- Walder
29. New York Giants
Overall score: 69.3

Why they're here: The pieces are in place among the skill players for quarterback Daniel Jones to make a quantum leap in his second season as the starter, the first under new coach Joe Judge and coordinator Jason Garrett. The defense is the concern as all three levels are in need of a talent boost. GM Dave Gettleman's track record in New York has come under fire with moves like trading for Leonard Williams and subsequently franchise-tagging him; there's a clamoring for major roster improvement with this 2020 squad. -- Yates

Biggest worry: Time is running out for Gettleman. He has to have nailed the selection of Judge as the HC, and he has to provide Jones and RB Saquon Barkley with an offensive line that is capable of helping them both reach their potential. If these two things don't happen in 2020, Gettleman won't be there in 2021. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: A year or two from now, the Giants could still be about three pieces away on defense. Hard to project how maligned corner DeAndre Baker pans out, so corner seems like a constant need. New York is still unspectacular at some defensive line and linebacker spots. Gettleman set out to fix the offensive line once and for all, and I do expect improvement there in 2020. The defense still feels like patchwork, with holes at multiple spots. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Judge is a relative unknown, but here's a point in his favor: The Patriots finished in the top 10 in regular-season special-teams efficiency in four of the five seasons he was special-teams coordinator in New England, and were top five in three of the five. Special teams is highly variant, so that kind of consistent success is noteworthy. -- Walder
30. Carolina Panthers
Overall score: 68.9

Why they're here: The Panthers return the lowest percentage of total snaps played from 2019, have a new coach, all new coordinators, a new starting quarterback and much more. This is the first layer of bricks being laid under coach Matt Rhule, whose seven-year contract affords him time and patience. But make no mistake, this is going to take some time. -- Yates

Biggest worry: Do they have a franchise QB or don't they? There has always been a lot of love for Teddy Bridgewater out there, specifically from those who believe that all he needs is a second chance. I see his upside as being capped at the game-manager level when all is said and done. Time will tell. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: Carolina will need to handle Kawann Short's contract. He has a cap hit of $20.8 million in 2021, the last year of his deal. He's still effective at age 31, but the Panthers probably won't want to carry that cap on their books, especially after drafting interior dominator Derrick Brown. Carolina is going younger under Rhule, who could use an explosive tight end to pair with Ian Thomas. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Bridgewater had the lowest average depth of target of all quarterbacks with at least 100 attempts last season. Sort of like with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, it will be interesting what new Panthers OC Joe Brady -- who worked with a QB who had tremendous downfield success last year in Joe Burrow at LSU -- does to the Panthers' offense to fit Bridgewater. Or vice versa. -- Walder
31. Chicago Bears
Overall score: 68.8

Why they're here: The Bears enter 2020 with a quarterback competition on their hands, as Nick Foles and Mitch Trubisky will vie for starting duties. Being ranked this low is not a reflection of where the team probably will finish in 2020 -- there's enough reason to think Chicago can hang around for a while in the NFC North with good quarterback play -- but a reflection of some recent major personnel decisions: GM Ryan Pace hand-picked Trubisky, has been heavy-handed at times in free agency (Jimmy Graham as a recent example) and mortgaged much draft capital for a win-now approach. -- Yates

Biggest worry: Many things are in place in Chicago: solid coaching staff, strong defense, improved skill position players, and an OL that has some good pieces to improve. But the QB competition will decide the fate of this franchise both short and long term. I happen to believe that it has to be Foles' time in the Windy City, or there could be major changes on the horizon. -- Riddick

Looking ahead: This one is pretty simple: The quarterbacks on the Bears' roster in 2020 aren't guaranteed to be the answer for future years. Let's see if Foles and Matt Nagy can reignite their Kansas City chemistry. But if Dak Prescott is available as a 2021 free agent, the Bears would be foolish not to explore that possibility. The defense should be top tier for a while, and re-signing Allen Robinson II would help stabilize the offense. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Foles' cap hit is more than six times what New England will pay Cam Newton this year. And that's not counting Foles' 2021 guaranteed roster bonus and the rest of his prorated bonus. That Chicago actually traded a fourth-round pick for Foles instead of waiting for Newton or Winston was a failure by the front office at the game's most important position. -- Walder
32. Jacksonville Jaguars
Overall score: 64.5

Why they're here: The rebuild is on. This offseason saw the Jaguars trade away three prominent veterans (Nick Foles, Calais Campbell and A.J. Bouye) to stockpile draft capital, a process that truly began when they traded away Jalen Ramsey last season. It's going to take time. Losses figure to endure for another two or three seasons, but this is a long-term play: find young cornerstones and meticulously work back to a competitive state. -- Yates

Biggest worry: From the outside looking in, the culture in Jacksonville seems to not be what it needs to be, and the upheaval/uncertainty in the front office seems to be a very large reason why. This is a franchise that is heading for a major overhaul from the top down in short order, as I don't see the Jaguars going anywhere with the present structure. -- Riddick[/QUOTE]

Looking ahead: Jacksonville's roster isn't as dire as projected. More than half the 22-man starting lineup has splash-play ability. But if the team truly wants to start over, it should move on from all the players who either don't want to be there or have had problems in the locker room. Trade Yannick Ngakoue, who wants out. Give Leonard Fournette the ball in his 2020 contract year and then let him walk, effectively starting fresh at running back. And continue to build the passing game around DJ Chark Jr., who's a top-15 to top-20 receiver right now. -- Fowler

Top stat to know: Gardner Minshew recorded a completion percentage over expectation of minus-5.2% last year, the worst among passer-rating-qualified quarterbacks. In the NFL, there is nothing bleaker than hopelessness at quarterback, and the bottom two teams on this list embody that better than any other team. Good news for Jacksonville: No team is better positioned to bottom out and land Trevor Lawrence, though the FPI still gives the Jags only a 24% chance to land the No. 1 overall pick. -- Walder